The European Union has modified its immigration laws for country citizens, stating that they must legally and consistently remain in an EU member state for at least five years and that this status must coexist with national long-term resident schemes.
Third-country states are those that are not part of the European Union or whose citizens do not have the freedom of movement granted by the EU. One example of a third-country nation is Nigeria.
According to The Times, during a meeting of the Council’s Permanent Representatives committee, the EU member states presented this directive and decided on their negotiation mandate for updating the EU long-term resident directive.
This directive specifies the requirements for citizens of third countries to be granted status as long-term residents of the EU.
According to the Council’s stance, citizens of third countries are able to fulfill the five-year criteria by accruing up to two years of residency in other member states.
Nonetheless, certain legal resident permits, such as highly skilled job permits or EU Blue Cards, will be recognized for residency in another member state.
In addition to showing steady finances and health insurance, applicants for long-term resident status could also need to meet integration requirements.
Even though this status is perpetual, it may be withdrawn if the individual does not maintain their principal home in the EU for a predetermined amount of time.
Long-term inhabitants of the EU are entitled to intra-EU mobility rights, which allow them to travel and live in other EU countries for work or studies, subject to specific conditions.
They will receive the same benefits and treatment as citizens of the EU with relation to jobs, education, and taxes.
Of the 23 million people who were lawfully staying in the EU in 2020, over ten million were nationals of third-world countries with long-term or permanent residency cards.
The purpose of the proposed change is to address the issues of underutilization, acquisition condition complexity, and obstacles to intra-EU mobility rights.
In order to finalize the legal text, talks with the European Parliament will be possible thanks to the Council’s negotiation mandate.
